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Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively
securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the
endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall
with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or
catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an
entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a
desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or
catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved
into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or
catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the
opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally
secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the
endoscope or the like.

1. A locking assembly for use with an endoscope, the assembly
comprising:an endoscope port member, the endoscope port member providing
access to a working channel formed in an endoscope;a locking device
associated with the endoscope port member, the locking device including a
first lock and a second lock; andwherein the first lock includes a device
entry slot and a securing portion, and the first lock is configured so
that an endoscopic medical device can be inserted into the device entry
slot and secured to the locking device at the securing portion.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscope port member includes a
biopsy cap.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscopic medical device includes
a catheter.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscopic medical device includes
a guidewire.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the second lock is configured to
secure a second endoscopic medical device.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the second endoscopic medical device
is a second guidewire.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the second lock is configured to
restrict lateral but not longitudinal movement of the second endoscopic
medical device.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscope port member and the
locking device are secured to each other.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscope port member and the
locking device are attached to each other.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the endoscope port member and the
locking device are integrated with one another.

12. A locking device assembly for use in combination with an endoscope,
the assembly comprising:an endoscope port member portion, the endoscope
port member portion providing access to a working channel formed in an
endoscope;a locking portion linked with to the endoscope port member
portion, the locking portion including a first lock and a second
lock;wherein the first lock is configured for securing a guidewire;
andwherein the first lock includes a guidewire slot and a guidewire
securing portion.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the endoscope port member includes a
biopsy cap.

15. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the endoscope port member portion
and the locking portion are secured to each other.

16. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the endoscope port member portion
and the locking portion are attached to each other.

17. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the endoscope port member portion
and the locking portion are integrated with one another.

18. An integrated endoscope port member and locking device, comprising:an
endoscope port member portion;a locking portion integrated with to the
endoscope port member portion;wherein the endoscope port member portion
provides access to a working channel formed in an endoscope;a first lock
for securing a first guidewire formed on the locking portion, the first
lock including a guidewire entry slot and a guidewire securing portion;
anda second lock for securing a second guidewire formed on the locking
portion and being positioned adjacent to the first lock.

19. The integrated endoscope port member and locking device of claim 18,
wherein the endoscope port member portion includes a biopsy cap.

20. The integrated endoscope port member and locking device of claim 18,
wherein the guidewire entry slot and the guidewire securing portion form
a J-shaped slot in the locking portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/450,655, filed Jun. 9, 2006, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/723,053, filed Nov.
26, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,052; which is a continuation of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/512,997, filed Feb. 25, 2000, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,663,597; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/080,520, filed May 18, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,096,009;
which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
08/926,200, filed on Sep. 9, 1997, entitled "Single Operator Exchange
Biliary Catheter", now U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,522; which claims the benefit
of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to provisional application U.S.
Ser. No. 60/025,235, filed Sep. 13, 1996, entitled "Single Operator
Exchange Biliary Catheter", the entire disclosures of which are all
incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002]The present invention relates to a guide wire and/or a catheter
locking device for use in catheter procedures within the human anatomy,
and methods of using the same. The locking device is particularly useful
during catheter exchange procedures. The present invention includes a
locking device that is attached to an endoscope, a guide catheter, or
other guiding type catheter that receives a guide wire and/or another
catheter. The locking device is used to selectively secure the guide wire
and/or catheter in a desired position within the endoscope or guiding
type catheter. This may reduce the likelihood that the guide wire and/or
catheter will move from a desired placement during a procedure, such as a
catheter exchange procedure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0003]Endoscopic procedures for treating abnormal pathologies within the
alimentary canal system and biliary tree (including the biliary, hepatic,
and pancreatic ducts) are increasing in number. The endoscope provides
access to the general area of a desired duct using direct visualization.
However, the duct itself must be navigated using a catheter in
conjunction with fluoroscopy and guide wires.

[0004]Catheters are known for treatment of targeted anatomical regions.
Known methods and devices for using biliary catheters for accessing the
biliary tree for performing catheter procedures are disclosed in Weaver
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,302 and Karpiel, U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,602, the
disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference. In general,
for treatment of an abnormal pathology within a patient's biliary tree,
an endoscope is first introduced into the mouth of the patient. The
endoscope includes a proximal end and a distal end, and has a lumen
extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal ends. The
endoscope is guided through the patient's alimentary tract or canal until
an opening at the distal end of the endoscope is proximate the area to
receive treatment. At this point, the endoscope allows other components,
such as a catheter, to access the targeted area.

[0005]For visualization or treatment within the biliary tree, the distal
end of the endoscope is positioned proximate the papilla of vater leading
to the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct. A catheter is guided
through the lumen of the endoscope until a distal tip of the catheter
emerges from the opening at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0006]The catheter may be used for accessing the biliary tree. The distal
end of the catheter is guided through the orifice to the papilla of vater
(located between the sphincter of oddi) leading to the common bile duct
and the pancreatic duct. A guide wire may be used in conjunction with the
catheter to facilitate accessing a desired location within the biliary
tree. The guide wire is inserted in an opening at a proximal end of the
catheter and guided through the catheter until it emerges from the distal
end of the catheter.

[0007]If visualization of the common bile duct is desired, the guide wire
is guided into the common bile duct. The catheter is advanced over the
guide wire, as previously described, until the distal end of the catheter
is positioned in the common bile duct at the desired location. The
catheter is now in position for delivery of contrast media for
fluoroscopic visualization of anatomical detail within the common bile
duct. Visualization may reveal selected areas within the common bile duct
that require treatment. To treat the selected areas, a different catheter
is typically required, necessitating a catheter exchange. A catheter
exchange typically involves removing the first catheter from the
endoscope over the guide wire, and advancing a second catheter over the
guide wire to the desired treatment site. Thus, once the guide wire is in
place relative to the targeted area, it is highly desirable to maintain
the position of the guide wire during subsequent catheter procedures,
including during a catheter exchange procedure. If the guide wire moves
during such a procedure, the guide wire may have to be re-directed
through the body ducts to the target site, which is often a difficult,
time consuming and tedious task.

[0008]In addition to performing a catheter exchange procedure, it may also
be desirable to perform a guide wire exchange procedure. This may be
desirable when, for example, a first guide wire is too large to fit
through a desired body duct, or otherwise lacks the desired
characteristics. Under these circumstances, a physician may leave the
catheter in place, withdraw the first guide wire from the catheter, and
insert a second guide wire through the catheter to the desired site.
During this procedure, the catheter guides the to guide wire to the
desired site. Thus, once the catheter is positioned at a target site, it
is highly desirable to maintain the position of the catheter during a
guide wire exchange procedure so that the second guide wire may be guided
directly to the desired site in a minimum amount of time.

[0009]To maintain the position of a guide wire and/or catheter, a
physician typically must grasp the proximal end of the guide wire and/or
catheter with one hand, and performing the corresponding exchange with
the other. This is difficult, and often results in the movement of the
guide wire and/or catheter. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a
locking device whereby the physician can secure the position of the guide
wire and/or catheter during an exchange procedure, thereby freeing both
hands to perform other tasks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010]The present invention overcomes many of the disadvantages of the
prior art by providing a locking device that is mounted on an endoscope
or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or
catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device
preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the
guide wire or catheter near its proximal end or at any point along the
guide wire or catheter's length depending upon how far it is inserted.
The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry slot
and a locking slot. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired
position within a body cavity, a portion of the guide wire or catheter
that extends outside of the endoscope or the like is aligned with the
opening and may be moved into the opening in use. More particularly, a
portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator
through the entry slot of the opening and into the locking slot, wherein
the locking slot frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or
catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

[0011]In one illustrative embodiment, the locking device includes a body
member that is funnel shaped including a horn and a neck with a lumen
extending therethrough. The horn has a side wall with an opening provided
therein. The neck is operatively attached to the endoscope or the like
proximate an access port. In this configuration, a proximal portion of
the guide wire or catheter extends out of the access port of the
endoscope or the like and through the lumen of the locking device. Once a
guide wire or catheter is in a to desired position within a body cavity,
the proximal portion of the guide wire or catheter may be moved into the
opening in the body member of the locking device, and frictionally fit
therein.

[0012]In another illustrative embodiment, the locking device is adapted
for use with an endoscope having a side port. The side port is in fluid
communication with one or more lumens, and may receive a guide wire or
catheter therein. In this embodiment, the locking device includes a body
member, an attachment mechanism and a securing mechanism. The attachment
mechanism preferably includes one or more hook members that engage the
main shaft of the endoscope near the side port. These hook members tend
to clip or secure the locking device to the main shaft of the endoscope.
The body member extends from the hook members generally parallel to the
side port. The securing mechanism, which is preferably an opening in the
body member, is preferably positioned near the end of the body member and
proximate the side port opening of the endoscope. Once a guide wire or
catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the proximal
portion of the guide wire or catheter, which extends outside of the side
port of the endoscope, may be moved into the opening of the locking
device and frictionally fit therein. In preferred embodiments, the
opening includes an entry slot and a locking slot, as described above.

[0013]It is contemplated that the locking device may include more than one
securing mechanism for securing more than one guide wire or catheter or
combination of guide wires and catheters. This is preferably accomplished
by including two or more openings in the body member of the locking
device. For example, one opening may be substantially J-shaped for
securing a guide wire. Another opening may be boot shaped for securing a
catheter. The boot shape is similar to the J-shape but has increased
dimensions for receiving the larger catheter shaft.

[0014]In use, a guide wire or catheter may be inserted into the lumen of
an endoscope or the like. The locking device, which is preferably
operatively attached to the shaft of the endoscope or the like, has a
wall with an opening therein. The opening is preferably positioned
proximate an access port of the endoscope or the like. As described
above, the opening preferably has a locking slot that has a reduced
dimension relative to the outside portion of the guide wire or catheter.
Once the guide wire or catheter is in a desired to position within a body
cavity, the proximal portion of the guide wire or catheter is selectively
secured to the locking device by positioning the guide wire or catheter
in the locking slot of the opening.

[0015]It is contemplated that the locking device may be used in
conjunction with any catheter that receives another device such as a
guide wire or another catheter. For example, it is contemplated that the
locking device may be used in conjunction with endoscopes, guide
catheters, angioplasty catheters, etc. It is also recognized that when
securing a guide wire during a catheter exchange procedure, the first and
second catheters should be rapid-exchange type catheters to allow access
to the guide wire proximate the access port during at least most of the
catheter exchange procedure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]The invention will be further described with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like parts in
several views and wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a catheter in accordance with the
present invention having a U-shaped channel and guide wire lumen for
directing a guide wire along its shaft and for facilitating rapid
catheter exchange;

[0018]FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the catheter of FIG. 1 taken
along the line 1A-1A;

[0019]FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the catheter with guide wire of
FIG. 1 taken along the line 1B-1B;

[0020]FIG. 1C is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the encircled
catheter section of FIG. 1 at 1C;

[0021]FIGS. 2A-2D are cross-sectional views of the catheter of FIG. 1
located within increasingly larger endoscope channels;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an endoscope exchange sheath
assembly, without slit, suitable for receiving the catheter of FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3A is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the encircled
sheath section of FIG. 3 at 3A;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment sheath
assembly having a slit sheath and two-piece hub, shown in an unlocked
position;

[0025]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the two-piece hub of FIG. 4 in a
locked position;

[0026]FIG. 4B is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the encircled
sheath section of FIG. 4 at 4B, having a slit;

[0027]FIG. 4C is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a sheath
section, having an overlap, an alternate embodiment of the sheath in FIG.
4B;

[0028]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the catheter of FIG. 1 inserted
through the endoscope sheath assembly of FIG. 4;

[0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a endoscope sheath section
containing a catheter having a U-shaped channel containing a guide wire;

[0030]FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a guide wire within the
catheter of FIG. 1 inserted through the endoscope sheath assembly of FIG.
4, which is in turn within an endoscope;

[0031]FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the sheath assembly of FIG. 7,
having the catheter removed;

[0032]FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a sheath assembly, including an introducer;

[0033]FIG. 8A is an enlarged perspective view of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0034]FIG. 9A is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of an alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0035]FIG. 9B is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0036]FIG. 9C is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0037]FIG. 9D is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0038]FIG. 9E is an enlarged, perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0039]FIG. 9F is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of another alternative
embodiment of the introducer of FIG. 8;

[0040]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative locking device;

[0041]FIG. 11 is a partial side view of an illustrative locking device
positioned on an endoscope having an angled side port;

[0042]FIG. 12 is a partial side view detailing the illustrative locking
device of FIG. 11;

[0043]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another illustrative locking
device;

[0044]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative locking
device; and

[0045]FIG. 15 is a partial side view of another illustrative locking
device positioned on an endoscope having an angled side port.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a catheter assembly 30 in
accordance with the present invention. Catheter assembly 30 is used in
catheter procedures for accessing targeted anatomical regions through the
alimentary canal. The present invention incorporates features which allow
rapid exchange of a catheter by a single operator. The catheter of the
present invention allows shorter length guide wires to be used, resulting
in procedures which require less medical personnel, are less time
consuming, and less costly. Additionally, the present invention is
adaptable to most catheter devices used for catheter procedures within
the alimentary canal.

[0047]Catheter assembly 30 includes a catheter hub assembly 32 and a
catheter 34, having a guide wire 36 passing through a portion thereof.
Catheter 34 includes a shaft 38, which in general terms has a proximal
end 40, a U-channel 42, a distal tip region 44, a distal end 46 and
various lumens described in greater detail below. Catheter hub assembly
32 is operably connected to proximal end 40 of shaft 38. Catheter hub
assembly 32 is preferably configured to couple to ancillary devices
allowing access to a lumen within shaft 38.

[0048]Shaft 38 is a generally tubular shaped member having a generally
uniform outer shape at proximal end 40. Shaft 38 may be sized for
slidable passage through the lumen of an endoscope (not shown). Shaft 38
is preferably formed in an extrusion process. Shaft 38 may be formed of
an extruded polymeric material. In one embodiment, the preferred
polymeric material is polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether block amide,
nylon or a combination or blend of these. Catheters which are
contemplated include, but are not limited to, cannulas, sphincterotomes,
cytology devices, and devices for stone retrieval and stent placement.

[0049]In a preferred embodiment, shaft 38 further includes a distal taper
48 which tapers to distal tip region 44. Additionally, tip region 44 may
include high contrast, color coded distal markers 50. Finally, distal end
46 may be radiopaque for fluoroscopic visualization of distal tip region
44 during a catheter procedure.

[0050]U-channel 42 of shaft 38 extends between a first, proximal channel
end 52 and a second, distal channel end 54. U-channel 42 serves to
contain, but not necessarily constrain, guide wire 36, between channel
proximal end 52 and channel distal end 54. The term "U-channel" refers to
a channel shape that allows radial removal of guide wire 36 from the
channel 42, and need not be strictly in the shape of the letter U.
Channel 42 in the preferred embodiment is sufficiently large to allow
unhindered radial guide wire 36 movement out of channel 42. Further, the
channel walls and radial opening are substantially equal to or slightly
larger than the diameter of a guide wire lumen, described in greater
detail below. Although it is recognized that proximal channel end 52 may
be located at any location distal of proximal end 40 of shaft 38, channel
distal end 54 is preferably located between 10 and 40 cm from distal end
46 of catheter shaft 38.

[0051]Finally, as shown in FIG. 1A, which is a cross-sectional view of
shaft 38 taken along line 1A-1A at a location proximal of channel
proximal end 52, shaft 38 includes ancillary lumen 56, ancillary lumen 58
and guide wire lumen 60.

[0052]Ancillary lumen 56 and ancillary lumen 58 extend longitudinally
between proximal end 40 and distal end 46 of shaft 38. Ancillary lumen 56
and ancillary lumen 58 may be injection lumens, allowing for high
contrast media flow capability for bubble-free opacification and for
excellent visualization of a desired anatomical region. Additionally or
alternatively, ancillary lumen 56 and/or ancillary lumen 58 may be used
for or as part of other ancillary devices, such as a cutting wire lumen
or a retrieval balloon lumen.

[0053]Guide wire lumen 60 extends longitudinally between proximal end 40
and distal end 46 of shaft 38 in the preferred embodiment. Further, guide
wire lumen 60 is sized to receive guide wire 36. Guide wire lumen 60 may
be a tubular member which is extruded integral catheter shaft 38, or
alternatively, guide wire lumen 60 may be a separate tubular member which
is coupled to catheter shaft 38. Although in one preferred embodiment the
guide wire lumen 60 is a tubular member which is located proximate distal
end 46 of catheter shaft 38, it is recognized that guide wire lumen 60
may be formed anywhere along shaft 38, may be an extension of shaft 38
coupled to distal end 46, or guide wire lumen 60 may run the entire
length of shaft 38.

[0054]Referring to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of shaft 38 taken along
line 1B-1B of FIG. 1 is shown. Guide wire 36 may access guide wire lumen
60 at a point proximal channel distal end 54. Guide wire 36 extends
within channel 42 to channel distal end 54, continuing within guide wire
lumen 60 through distal tip region 44, and exiting through an opening in
distal end 46.

[0055]Referring to FIG. 1C, a section of catheter shaft 38 having
U-channel 42 is shown. The embodiment shown also includes ancillary
lumens 56 and 58. Sections of shaft 38 proximate the channel proximal end
52 and distal channel distal end 54 contain guide wire lumen 60 in
communication with U-channel 42. In one embodiment, U-channel 42 has an
interior, closed-side geometry, substantially the same as the geometry of
guide wire lumen 60. Further, U-channel 42 walls are spaced further than
a diameter of guide wire 36 such that guide wire 36 moves freely into and
out of U-channel 42.

[0056]Catheter shaft 38 can be configured such that U-channel 42 is
defined separately from guide wire lumen 60. With this approach, guide
wire lumen 60 is divided into two sections; a first section extending
between proximal end 40 of shaft 38 and channel proximal end 52; and a
second portion extending between channel distal end 54 and distal end 46
of shaft 38. Alternatively, the shaft can be configured to define guide
wire lumen 60 as extending longitudinally between proximal end 40 and
distal end 46 of shaft 38. In the alternative embodiment, between channel
proximal end 52 and channel distal end 54, guide wire lumen 60 is
integral with U-channel 42. In other words, guide wire lumen 60 defines a
portion of U-channel 42 such that spacing between outer walls of
U-channel 42 is equal to a diameter of guide wire lumen 60. Regardless of
how guide wire lumen 60 and U-channel 42 are defined, U-channel 42
provides for access to guide wire lumen 60 at channel distal end 54. In
this regard, channel distal end 54 can be enlarged to more easily direct
guide wire 36 into guide wire lumen 60.

[0057]Guide wire lumen 60 and U-channel 42 allow rapid exchange of
catheter assembly 30 when an alternative catheter is necessary during a
certain medical procedure. Shorter length guide wires may be used since
guide wire 36 does not pass through shaft proximal end 40 and hub
assembly 32, but rather exits the catheter shaft 38 at U-channel 42
located substantially distal from proximal end 40. The unique catheter
construction in accordance with the present invention will reduce
catheter therapeutic and diagnostic procedure time since catheter device
exchanges may be performed relatively more easily and quickly by a single
operator. Additional personnel and time associated with maintaining the
placement of a conventional (approximately 400 cm) guide wire within the
targeted anatomical region is eliminated, reducing the overall costs of
the procedure.

[0058]Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2D, cross-sectional views of endoscope
working channels 70-76 containing a catheter according to FIG. 1 are
shown. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D, working
channel inside diameters 70, 72, 74, and 76 are 2.8, 3.2, 3.8, and 4.2
mm, respectively. FIG. 2A illustrates catheter shaft 38 having ancillary
lumens 54 and 56, U-channel 42, and guide wire 36 within U-channel 42.
Further, shaft 38 is shown within a first size endoscope working channel
70. In FIG. 2A, guide wire 36 is effectively radially constrained by
small sized working channel 70 that closely surrounds U-channel 42.

[0059]FIG. 2B illustrates catheter containment within a second size
working channel 72, slightly larger than the working channel 70 of FIG.
2A. In FIG. 2B, guide wire 36 is able to move out of U-channel 42 to a
position denoted with dashed lines at 80. FIG. 2C shows shaft 38
contained within a third, even larger sized working channel 74. Guide
wire 36 is able to move completely out of U-channel 42 to position 82
shown with dashed lines. Finally, FIG. 2D demonstrates catheter shaft 38
within a fourth size working channel 76. In this even larger working
channel, guide wire 36 lies within an even larger cross-sectional area,
and is able to move to a position shown in FIG. 2D with dashed lines at
84.

[0060]As shown with the larger endoscope working channels (FIGS. 2C and
2D), the potential for guide wire 36 to slip out of U-channel 42 creates
a potential for the guide wire 36 to become pinched and restrict desired
movements of both guide wire 36 and catheter shaft 38. For this reason,
when larger endoscope working channels are used, an exchange sheath
having a sufficiently small inner diameter so as to constrain guide wire
movement to within the catheter U-channel 42 is employed with the
preferred embodiment. Generally speaking, an endoscope exchange sheath in
accordance with the preferred embodiment allows for use of a radially
accessible guide wire, which is longitudinally aligned with the catheter,
while presenting a circular profile to an endoscope and mitigating guide
wire pinching problems between the catheter and the endoscope working
channel wall.

[0061]Referring to FIG. 3, an endoscope exchange sheath assembly 100
having sheath hub assembly 102 and a sheath 104 is shown. The sheath 104
includes a lumen 106 and a distal end 108. FIG. 3A shows a section of
sheath 104, having lumen 106 for receiving a catheter. Basically, with
reference to FIG. 1, catheter 34 is fed through lumen 106 of sheath 104
such that sheath 104 encompasses guide wire 36 within U-channel 42.
Sheath 104 is adapted to be disposed within an endoscope working channel,
thereby providing a smaller diameter channel than that of the surrounding
endoscope working channel constraining the guide wire 34 (FIG. 1) to the
U-channel 50 (FIG. 1), and mitigating the potential problems shown in
FIGS. 2C and 2D.

[0062]Referring to FIG. 4, an alternate endoscope exchange sheath assembly
110 is shown. Sheath assembly 110 includes a two-piece hub assembly 112
and a sheath 114 defining lumen 116 and having slit 118 extending
longitudinally over its length, terminating at distal end 120. Slit 118
in sheath 114 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4B.

[0063]Referring again to FIG. 4, two-piece hub assembly 112 has a proximal
hub portion 122 and a distal hub portion 124, having a proximal slit 126
and a distal slit 128, respectively. Sheath slit 118 is in communication
with hub slits 126 and 128, allowing a guide wire (not shown) to be
radially slid into or out of sheath assembly 110. Proximal hub portion
122 is shown unlocked (position "A") in FIG. 4, aligning hub proximal
slit 126 with hub distal slit 128 and sheath slit 118, providing a
continuous slit for guide wire radial movement into and out of the sheath
assembly 110. Proximal hub portion 122 is shown locked, in position "B",
in FIG. 4A, whereby proximal hub slit 126 is rotated with respect to
distal hub slit 128, preventing a guide wire (not shown) within hub
assembly 112 from being moved radially out of hub assembly 112. Proximal
hub portion 122 is set to position B (FIG. 4A) when radial guide wire
movement is not desired.

[0064]FIG. 4C illustrates a portion of an alternate embodiment sheath 130
having a lumen 132, a sheath wall opening 134 and sheath wall overlap
136. A guide wire (not shown) is able to be slid out of lumen 132 of
sheath 130 by maneuvering the guide wire into sheath wall opening 134 and
through overlap 136.

[0066]Referring to FIG. 6, a section of FIG. 5 is shown in detail, having
endoscope sheath 114 containing catheter shaft 38, which further
maintains guide wire 36 within U-channel 42. As shown, sheath 114 is able
to constrain movement of guide wire 36 from U-channel 42 when sheath 114
is within a larger endoscope working channel, for example as illustrated
in FIGS. 2C and 2D. Importantly, the sheath 114 embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 6 includes longitudinal slit 118, allowing guide wire 36 to be
peeled from catheter shaft 38 and endoscope sheath 114. In other words,
as previously described, U-channel 42 is sized larger than guide wire 36
such that guide wire 36 can displace radially from U-channel 42. Sheath
114 prevents undesired displacement of guide wire 36 from U-channel 42
under normal operating conditions. However, if adequate radial force is
placed on guide wire 36 by an operator, guide wire 36 will separate
sheath 114 along slit 118 such that guide wire 36 is displaced from
sheath 114 and U-channel 42.

[0067]Referring to FIG. 7, guide wire 36 is shown inserted within catheter
assembly 30 of FIG. 1, which is inserted through endoscope sheath
assembly 110 of FIG. 4, which is in turn within an endoscope 150. Sheath
assembly 110 includes sheath 114 that has slit 118 and two-piece hub
assembly 112, shown at a locked position "B" (also in FIG. 4A). Having
hub assembly 112 locked prevents guide wire 36 from moving radially out
of sheath 114 through slit 118. Guide wire 36 can be restrained from
longitudinal movement by applying finger pressure on the guide wire 36
against hub assembly 112.

[0068]Referring to FIG. 7A, endoscope 150 and sheath assembly 110 of FIG.
7 are shown without the catheter assembly 30 inserted, as after catheter
withdrawal. Sheath hub assembly 112 is shown in unlocked position at "A"
(also in FIG. 4). Having hub assembly 112 unlocked allows radial movement
of guide wire 36 out of sheath 114 through slit 118, but such movement
may be restrained by trapping guide wire 36 against the outside of sheath
114 using one finger, providing ease of guide wire 36 control during
catheter exchanges.

[0069]In one possible endoscopic procedure, an endoscope 150, as
illustrated in FIG. 7, is first introduced into the mouth of a patient
and is guided through the patient's alimentary canal. Specifically,
endoscope 150 is guided down the esophagus, through the stomach, past the
pyloric sphincter of the stomach and into the duodenum. Endoscope 150 has
a lumen extending longitudinally between its proximal end and the distal
end. Endoscope 150 is guided through the alimentary canal until a distal
end (not shown) of endoscope 150 is proximate the target area within the
anatomy to receive treatment. In an endoscopic biliary procedure,
endoscope 150 is guided into the duodenum until the opening at the distal
end of the endoscope 150 is proximate the papilla of vater. The papilla
of vater is located between the sphincter of oddi, which leads to the
common bile duct, hepatic, and pancreatic ducts. The proximal end (shown
in FIGS. 7 and 7A) of endoscope 150 extends and remains outside the mouth
of the patient.

[0070]With endoscope 150 properly positioned within the patient, catheter
assembly 30 is prepared for insertion into the endoscope. First, guide
wire 36 is fed into the guide wire lumen 60 (FIGS. 1A-1C) of shaft 38.
More particularly, a distal end of guide wire 36 is placed within
U-channel 42, distal the channel proximal end 52. The guide wire 36 is
then fed to channel distal end 54 (FIG. 1) into guide wire lumen 60.
Finally, guide wire 36 is fed through shaft 38 to distal tip region 40
(FIG. 1). In one method, catheter 32 is then inserted directly into
endoscope 150 working channel. This method may be practiced with an
endoscope having a sufficiently small working channel inside diameter, as
illustrated in FIG. 2A, to constrain guide wire 36 movement without a
sheath.

[0072]Endoscope sheath 114, containing catheter shaft 38, is inserted into
endoscope 150 working channel. Endoscope sheath 114 serves to constrain
radial guide wire 36 movement over the approximate length of U-channel
42. Catheter shaft 38 and sheath 114 are inserted together into endoscope
150 until both are near a distal end (not shown) of endoscope 150.
Catheter shaft 38 and sheath 114 may be, either or both, advanced until
exiting the distal end of endoscope 150.

[0073]In one method, guide wire 36 is advanced until guide wire 36 distal
tip is positioned within the target area in the biliary tree (including
the common bile, hepatic or pancreatic ducts). For example, the distal
tip of guide wire 36 may be guided through the orifice leading to the
papilla of vater for access to the biliary tree. Catheter shaft 38 may
then be advanced over guide wire 36, tracking catheter assembly 30, until
catheter distal tip region 40 (FIG. 1) exits distal end of endoscope 150
and is positioned within the desired duct. In another method, guide wire
36 and catheter assembly 30 are advanced together until catheter distal
end 42 (FIG. 1) is positioned at the target area. It is also recognized
that the catheter could be first advanced to near the target area,
followed by inserting the guide wire when needed to advance the catheter
further.

[0074]Once guide wire 36 is in position at the target area, catheter
procedures, including injecting contrast media, such as radiopaque dye,
through ancillary lumens 56 or 58 (FIG. 1A-1C) into the common bile duct
for visualization of the duct, can be performed. After the desired
catheter procedure has been completed, catheter assembly 30 can be
exchanged or removed from endoscope 150, leaving guide wire 36 in
position for other catheter procedures. Catheter assembly 30 and sheath
assembly 110 may also be removed together.

[0075]One method of withdrawing catheter 34 from endoscope 150 is possible
using either a slitted/overlapped endoscope sheath 114 as depicted in
FIGS. 4 through 4C, or a sheath 104 without a slit as depicted in FIGS. 3
through 3A. Using this method, best visualized with reference to FIG. 7,
guide wire 36 is held to prevent longitudinal movement while catheter 34
is retracted within endoscope sheath 114 (or 104). Catheter 34 retraction
leaving the guide wire 36 in position within the patient is enabled by
U-channel 42 being radially open to guide wire 36 removal in catheter
shaft 36. Once catheter retraction has brought channel distal end 54
(FIG. 1) to a point proximate sheath hub assembly 112, only a relatively
short portion of guide wire 36, from channel distal end 54 to distal end
46 (FIG. 1) of catheter shaft 38, remains within catheter 34. A single
operator can remove this remaining portion of guide wire 36 from catheter
34 by first slightly retracting catheter assembly 30 (while still holding
guide wire 34 in place) out of sheath assembly 110 (or 100), such that a
portion of guide wire 36 is accessible distal of catheter distal end 46.
In other words, a small portion of guide wire 36 is accessible between
distal end 46 of catheter 34 and distal hub portion 124 of sheath
assembly 110. The accessible portion of guide wire 36 is then held by the
operator, while withdrawing the remaining portion of catheter 34
completely over guide wire 36. In an alternative method, the distal end
of the endoscope can include an elevator which could be utilized to lock
the distal end of the guide wire in position while the catheter is
removed.

[0076]Exchange of endoscope sheath assembly 110 may be desired, as when a
stent (not shown) is to be advanced over guide wire 36, and the stent has
a larger outside diameter than can be accommodated by the sheath 114. One
method of exchanging an endoscope sheath assembly 110 may be used where
sheath 114 is slitted as in FIG. 4B, or overlapped, as in sheath 130 in
FIG. 4C. Referring to FIG. 7A, two-piece hub assembly 112 is turned to
the unlocked position "A" (also shown in FIG. 4). Guide wire 36 is pulled
radially away from sheath hub assembly 112 and through slit 118 in sheath
114. Guide wire 36 is then held, preferably against some portion of
endoscope 150, to prevent guide wire 36 from being dislodged from
position within the patient. Sheath 114 is retracted from endoscope 150,
guide wire 36 being "peeled" away from sheath 114. Sheath retraction is
continued until sheath 114 is completely outside of endoscope 150 and
over guide wire 36. At this point, guide wire 36 is within endoscope 150
working channel, and stents, catheters, and endoscope sheaths may be
advanced over guide wire 36.

[0077]Another method of exchanging both endoscope sheath assembly 110 and
catheter assembly 30 may be used where the sheath 114 is slitted as in
FIG. 4B, or overlapped, as in sheath 130 in FIG. 4C. Referring to FIGS. 7
and 7A, two-piece hub assembly 112 is turned to the unlocked position "A"
(FIG. 7A). Guide wire 36 is pulled radially away from U-channel 42 of
catheter 34, from hub assembly 112 and through slit 118 in sheath 114.
Guide wire 36 is then held, preferably against some portion of endoscope
150, to prevent guide wire 36 from being dislodged from position within
the patient. Sheath 114 and catheter 34 are retracted from endoscope 150,
with guide wire 36 being "peeled" away from sheath 114. Sheath assembly
110 and catheter assembly 30 retraction are continued until sheath 114
and catheter 34 are completely outside of endoscope 150 and over guide
wire 36. At this point, guide wire 36 remains in a position within
endoscope 150 and patient. A single operator can access a small portion
of guide wire 36 between distal end 46 (FIG. 1) of catheter 34 to hold
guide wire 36 in place while catheter assembly 30 is completely removed
or disengaged from guide wire 36.

[0078]While sheath assembly 110 has been described as including a
two-piece hub assembly 112 in conjunction with sheath 114, other
assemblies may be used. For example, referring to FIG. 8, an alternate
sheath assembly 160 is shown. Sheath assembly 160 includes an introducer
162, an attachment means 164 and a sheath 166. Similar to previous
embodiments, sheath 166 defines a lumen (not shown) and includes a slit
168 extending longitudinally over its length, terminating at a distal end
170. Sheath 166 is generally identical to sheath 104 and sheath 114
previously described. Introducer 162 is attached to sheath 166 by
attachment means 164 such that lumen (not shown) of sheath 166 is in
fluid communication with an interior portion of introducer 162. In one
preferred embodiment, attachment means 164 is a flexible membrane which
seals sheath 166 to introducer 162. Alternatively, other forms of
attachment, such as an adhesive or frictional engagement between
introducer 162 and sheath 166 may also be useful.

[0079]Referring to FIG. 8A, introducer 162 is shown in greater detail.
Introducer 162 is a funnel-shaped device including a horn 172 and a neck
174. In one preferred embodiment, horn 172 and neck 174 are integrally
formed as a singular body.

[0080]Horn 172 is preferably a conically-shaped body having an outer wall
176. Outer wall 176 defines an interior space and includes a guide
wire-receiving notch 180 formed near proximal end 182 of horn 172. Guide
wire-receiving notch 180 is preferably J-shaped and includes an entry end
184 and a locking end 186. As shown in FIG. 8A, entry end 184 is open at
proximal end 182 of horn 172. Conversely, locking end 186 is closed.

[0081]Neck 174 is preferably tubular in shape, and includes a passage 188.
Passage 188 is configured to be in fluid communication with interior
space of horn 172. In the preferred embodiment, horn 172 and neck 174 are
formed of a plastic material. Alternatively, any other semi-rigid or
rigid, surgically-safe material may be used.

[0083]Once properly inserted within sheath assembly 160, a proximal end of
guide wire 36 (FIG. 1) is maintained within guide wire-receiving notch
180. More particularly, a portion of guide wire 36 is forced by an
operator through entry end 184 of guide wire-receiving notch 180 and
forced within locking end 186 thereof. In this regard, locking end 186
preferably has a diameter slightly smaller than that of guide wire 36.
Thus, locking end 186 frictionally maintains guide wire 36. Conversely,
guide wire 36 can easily be released from guide wire-receiving notch 180
by sliding guide wire 36 from locking end 186 and out of entry end 184.
Thus, sheath assembly 160 functions in a manner highly similar to sheath
assembly 100 and sheath assembly 110 previously described.

[0084]Referring to FIG. 9A, an alternative embodiment of an introducer 190
is shown. Introducer 190 includes a horn 192, a neck 194 and a valve 196.
Similar to previous embodiment, horn 192 and neck 194 are preferably
integrally formed as a singular body. Horn 192 includes an outer wall 197
which defines a guide wire-receiving notch 198 and valve-receiving slots
200. Valve 196 includes a valve body 202 sized to fit within outer wall
197 of horn 192. Further, valve 196 includes ribs 204 extending from
valve body 202. Ribs 204 are preferably sized to mate within
valve-receiving slots 200 of horn 192. Thus, valve 196 is maintained
within horn 192 via interaction of ribs 204 with valve-receiving slots
200. In this regard, valve-receiving slots 200 are preferably positioned
along horn 192 proximal neck 194. Valve 196 is preferably made of a
rubber-type material.

[0085]During use, introducer 190 functions in a manner highly similar to
introducer 162 (FIGS. 8 and 8A) previously described. Additionally,
however, valve 196 forms a seal about catheter shaft 38 (FIG. 1). Thus,
upon insertion into a human body, valve 196 prevents bodily fluids, such
as bile, from backing up through the sheath assembly. Additionally, valve
196 can provide for aspiration, if desired.

[0086]Referring to FIG. 9B, an alternative embodiment of an introducer 206
is shown. Introducer 206 is highly similar to introducer 190 (FIG. 9A)
previously described. In this regard, introducer 206 includes a horn 208,
a neck 210 and a valve 212. Horn 208 is preferably integrally formed with
neck 210 and includes an outer wall 214 defining a guide wire-receiving
notch 216 and valve-receiving slots 218. Similar to valve 196 (FIG. 9A),
valve 212 includes a valve body 220 and ribs 222. Ribs 222 are sized to
mate within valve-receiving slots 218 of horn 208. In this regard,
valve-receiving slots 218 are positioned proximate a proximal end 224 of
horn 208. Introducer 206, including valve 212, functions in a manner
highly similar to introducer 190 (FIG. 9A) as previously described.

[0087]It is recognized that the fluid blocking function provided by valve
212 can be achieved with other designs. For example, referring to FIG.
9C, an alternative embodiment of an introducer 226 is shown. Introducer
226 includes a horn 228, a neck 230 and an O-ring 232. Horn 228 and neck
230 are preferably formed as an integral body. Horn 228 preferably
includes a guide wire-receiving notch (not shown) similar to that
previously described and an interior slot 234. Interior slot 234 is
preferably positioned proximate neck 230 and is sized to maintain O-ring
232. Alternatively, interior slot 234 can be formed in neck 230.

[0088]O-ring 232 is preferably made of a rubber-type material. Further,
O-ring 232 has an inner diameter slightly smaller than that of horn 228
and neck 230. Thus, during use, O-ring 232 forms a seal about catheter
shaft 38 (FIG. 1), blocking passage of bodily fluids, such as bile, into
horn 228.

[0089]Referring to FIG. 9D, another alternative embodiment of an
introducer 236 is shown. Introducer 236 is similar to a touhey-borst
system and includes an upper horn section 238, a lower horn section 240
and a grommet 242. Upper horn section 238 includes an outer wall 244
defining a proximal end 246, a grommet-receiving flange 248 and a distal
end 250. Proximal end 246 of horn section 238 preferably includes a guide
wire-receiving notch (not shown) similar to that previously described.
Distal end 250 is threaded and includes a passage 252 sized to receive a
portion of lower horn section 240.

[0090]Lower horn section 240 includes a body 254 defining a proximal end
256, an intermediate portion 258 and a distal end 260. An interior
passage 266 is configured to communicate with passage 252 and extends
from proximal end 256 to distal end 260. Finally, proximal end 256
includes a threaded slot 262 sized to threadably receive distal end 250
of upper horn section 238.

[0091]Grommet 242 is preferably made of a rubber-type material and is
sized to nest within grommet-receiving flange 248 of upper horn section
238 while abutting proximal end 256 of lower horn section 240.

[0093]Referring to FIG. 9E, yet another alternative embodiment of an
introducer 266 is shown. Introducer 266 includes a horn 268, a neck 270
and a valve 272. Preferably, horn 268, neck 270 and valve 272 are
integrally formed as a singular body. In this regard, valve 272 is formed
while molding horn 268 and neck 270 by imparting a controlled flash at
distal end 274 of neck 270.

[0094]Introducer 266 performs in a manner highly similar to that
previously described. Thus, valve 272 forms a seal about catheter shaft
38 (FIG. 1), thereby preventing back flow of bodily fluids, such as bile,
into horn 268.

[0095]Referring to FIG. 9F, another alternative embodiment of an
introducer 276 is shown. Introducer 276 includes a horn 278, a neck 280
and a valve 282. Horn 278 and neck 280 are preferably integrally formed
as a singular body. In this regard, horn 278 and neck 280 are defined by
an outer wall 284. Outer wall 284 forms a guide wire-receiving notch 286
and an exterior slot 288. Guide wire-receiving notch 286 is similar to
that previously described. Exterior slot 288 is positioned along neck 280
and is sized to maintain a portion of valve 282. Alternatively, exterior
slot 288 can be positioned along horn 278.

[0096]Valve 282 is preferably a rubber-type sock defined by an upper rib
290, a side wall 292 and a shoulder 294. Upper rib 290 is preferably
sized to mount within exterior slot 288 of neck 280. Side wall 292 is
preferably flexible so as to stretch along neck 280. Finally, shoulder
294 is preferably configured to abut a distal end 298 of neck 280. With
this configuration, valve 282 is placed over distal end 298 of neck 280
such that shoulder 294 contacts distal end 298. Due to the preferred
flexible characteristic of valve 282, side wall 292 is stretched until
upper rib 290 nests within exterior slot 288 of neck 280.

[0097]During use, the catheter shaft 38 (FIG. 1) is placed through
introducer 276 such that shoulder 294 of valve 282 forms a seal about
catheter shaft 38. Thus, valve 282 prevents undesired back flow of bodily
fluids, such as bile.

[0098]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative locking device for
use with an endoscope having a side instrument port. The illustrative
locking device is generally shown at 320 and includes a body member 322.
At one end, the body member 322 includes one or more hook members 324 for
attaching the locking device to a shaft of an endoscope or the like (see
FIG. 11). At the other end, the body member 322 includes a securing
mechanism for securing a guide wire or catheter to the locking device.

[0099]The hook members 324 may be provided in pairs, as shown in FIG. 10,
or offset from one another, as shown in FIG. 13. In either case, the hook
members 324 are adapted to clip and secure the locking device to the
shaft of an endoscope or the like.

[0100]The securing mechanism preferably includes one or more openings
provided in the body member 322. In the embodiment shown, the body member
322 includes a guide wire opening 326 and a catheter opening 332. The
guide wire opening 326 is similar to the guide wire-receiving notch 180
of FIG. 8A. The guide wire opening 326 is preferably J-shaped, and
preferably includes an entry slot 328 and a locking slot 330. The
catheter opening 332 is boot shaped, and also preferably includes an
entry slot 334 and a locking slot 336.

[0101]The entry slot 328 of the guide wire opening 326 is dimensioned to
be larger than the diameter of a guide wire. The locking slot 330 of the
guide wire opening 326 is dimensioned to be somewhat smaller than the
diameter of a guide wire. Accordingly, a guide wire can be secured to the
body member 322 by inserting a portion of the guide wire through the
entry slot 328 of the guide wire opening 326 and into the locking slot
330. The locking slot 330 frictionally secures the guide wire relative to
the body member 322.

[0102]Likewise, the entry slot 334 of the catheter opening 332 is
dimensioned to be larger than the diameter of a catheter. The locking
slot 336 of the catheter opening 332 is dimensioned to be somewhat
smaller than the diameter of a catheter. Accordingly, a catheter can be
secured to the body member 322 by inserting a portion of the catheter
through the entry end 334 of the catheter opening 332 and into the
locking slot 336. The locking slot 336 frictionally secures the catheter
relative to the body member 322.

[0103]FIG. 11 is a partial side view of an illustrative locking device
positioned on an endoscope with an angled side port extending therefrom.
The endoscope is generally shown at 350, and includes a main shaft 352
with a lumen extending therethrough. A side port 356 extends laterally
away from the main shaft 352 at an angle. The side port 356 provides
access to the lumen of the main shaft 352. Accordingly, a guide wire
and/or catheter may access the lumen of the main shaft 352 via the side
port 356.

[0104]The side port 356 preferably includes a side port opening 354 which
is laterally spaced from the main shaft 352 due to the angular
displacement between the main shaft 352 and the side port 356. The side
port opening 354 is in fluid communication with the lumen of the main
shaft 352 via a connection tube 355. The connection tube 355 intersects a
side wall of the main shaft 352 at an angle, as shown.

[0105]A locking device having a body member 360 is shown clipped onto the
main shaft 352 of the endoscope. The body member 360 includes a number of
hook members 358 for attaching the locking device to the main shaft 352.
Two hook members are visible in FIG. 11. The hook members 358 are similar
to the hook members 324 described above with respect to FIG. 10.

[0106]The body member 360 extends away from the hook members 358 and
generally parallel to the side port 356. In FIG. 11, the body member is
obscured by the main shaft 352 and side port 356. The body member 360
extends upward past the side port opening 354, wherein a securing
mechanism is provided. Preferably, the securing mechanism is a J-shaped
guide wire opening 362.

[0107]In use, a guide wire is advanced into the body via the endoscope.
During the advancement of the guide wire, the proximal end thereof may be
moved to a first position 364, which is in the entry slot of the guide
wire opening 362. Once the guide wire is in a desired position within the
body, the guide wire may be moved to a second position 366, which is in
the locking slot of the guide wire opening 362. The locking slot of the
guide wire opening 362 frictionally secures the guide wire relative to
the body member 360.

[0108]FIG. 12 is a partial side view detailing the illustrative locking
device of FIG. 11, with an additional oversized catheter opening shown.
The side port of the endoscope is shown at 356, and the body member of
the locking device is shown at 360. Positioned proximate the side port
opening 354 is a guide wire opening 362 and an oversized catheter opening
370. Like above, the guide wire opening is J-shaped and includes an entry
slot and a locking slot. Thus, the guide wire may be moved to the first
position 364, which is in the entry slot of the guide wire opening 362.
Once the guide wire is in a desired position within the body, the guide
wire may be moved to the second position 366, which is in the locking
slot of the guide wire opening 362. The locking slot of the guide wire
opening 362 frictionally secures the guide wire relative to the body
member 360.

[0109]The oversized catheter opening 370 is sized to restrict lateral
movement of the catheter 372 but not longitudinal movement of the
catheter 372. Providing a guide wire opening that can secure the guide
wire relative to the body member, and an oversized catheter opening for
only restricting lateral movement of the catheter 372 may be particularly
useful in performing a catheter exchange procedure. For example, during a
catheter exchange procedure, the guide wire opening may maintain the
position of the guide wire. The oversized catheter opening 370 may
separate the catheter from the guide wire, as the catheter is withdrawn.
The first and second catheters should be single-operator exchange type
catheters to provide access to the guide wire during the exchange.

[0110]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another illustrative locking
device. The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is similar to the embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, but the hook members are laterally offset rather than
aligned. For example, hook member 380 is laterally offset from hook
member 382 by a distance "D". This configuration is another example of an
attachment mechanism for attaching the body member to a catheter shaft.

[0111]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another illustrative locking
device. The locking device is generally shown at 400, and includes a body
member 401 having an attachment mechanism 402 at one end and a securing
mechanism 404 at the other. The attachment mechanism 402 includes a first
hook member 406 and a second hook member 408. The first hook member 406
and the second hook member 408 are adapted to extend around a substantial
portion of the shaft of an endoscope or the like. Thus, the first hook
member 406 and the second hook member 408 may clip the body member 401 to
the desired shaft.

[0112]The securing mechanism 404 includes a J-shaped guide wire opening
410 and a flap-type catheter opening 412. The J-shaped guide wire opening
410 operates similar to that described above. The flap-type catheter
opening 412 has a flap 414 formed by cutting the catheter opening 412
from the body member 401. The flap 414 is preferably curved to form a
channel 416, wherein the end portion 418 of the channel 416 loops back to
near the surface of the body member 401. In this configuration, a
catheter or guide wire may be selectively provided in the channel 416,
which may bend the flap away from the body member 401. Accordingly, the
flap 412 may provide force between the guide wire or catheter and the
body member 401 to effectively secured the guide wire or catheter to the
body member 401.

[0113]FIG. 15 is a partial side view of yet another illustrative locking
device 500. The locking device 500 is positioned between the side port
504 and the main shaft 506 of the endoscope 502. The locking device
includes a body member 510 that is attached to the main shaft 506 using a
strap 512. Preferably, the strap 512 extends around the entire
circumference of the main shaft 506. Further, the body member 510 may
include a guide wire opening 514 and one or more catheter openings 516,
as shown.

[0114]It will be understood that this disclosure, in many respects, is
only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in
matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts without
exceeding the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the
invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims.